When the Red Sox signed Vicente Padilla they did so in part because he’s capable of starting or relieving depending on how Daniel Bard‘s attempted move into the rotation and the rest of the pitching staff shake out. However, it’s clear now that Padilla wants to be a starter.

In fact, during an appearance on WEEI in Boston this morning the veteran right-hander said he signed with the Red Sox because “this is a great opportunity to be a starter” and “I like starting … I’ve started for a long time.”

He’s right about that, as Padilla hasn’t made double-digit relief appearances in a season since 2001, but the Dodgers were using him as a reliever prior to neck surgery last season. Apparently he never liked that role and chose the Red Sox specifically because “other teams needed me as a reliever.”

He may soon find out that the Red Sox need, or at least want, him as a reliever too, but in the meantime Padilla will compete for a rotation spot while trying to prove he’s healthy at age 34. He’ll first have to make the team, period, to collect the $1.5 million roster incentive on his minor-league contract.